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lithium-ion batteries are incredibly common. From your phone to your electric car, they are everywhere. Therefore, ensuring the safe operation of these batteries is essential to prevent hazards such as fires caused by cell malfunctions. Researchers at TU Darmstadt and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) are making significant progress in this field by developing advanced monitoring methods that enhance fault detection and condition assessment.
Led by Joachim Schaeffer, Eric Lenz, and Professor Rolf Findeisen at TU Darmstadt, in collaboration with MIT’s Professor Richard Braatz and Professor Martin Bazant, the team has successfully integrated physical modeling with machine learning techniques. Their innovative approach employs recursive Gaussian processes to identify time-dependent changes in battery performance, allowing for real-time analysis of operational conditions. This method efficiently processes large data sets, setting the stage for continuous online monitoring of battery systems, according to TechXplore.
A notable feature of their research is the access to a unique dataset provided by am anonymous manufacturing partner. This dataset includes over 133 million data points from 224 battery cells that were returned due to issues, making it one of the first publicly available collections of its kind. The findings reveal that often, only a single cell in a battery system shows abnormal behavior, which can jeopardize the entire system’s safety. These insights enhance our understanding of battery deterioration and the circumstances that lead to failures, ultimately improving safety protocols.
The research, recently published in Cell Reports Physical Science, marks a crucial advancement in the development of reliable battery management systems. In recognition of their contributions, Schaeffer received the MIT Open Data Prize for providing open-access data, chosen from over 70 submissions. This award emphasizes the significance of transparency and collaboration in advancing battery technology and safety.
As the demand for lithium-ion batteries continues to rise, these innovative monitoring techniques will play a pivotal role in ensuring safe operation, mitigating risks associated with battery failures, and building confidence in their widespread adoption.
